How to Dual Boot Windows 10 & macOS Sonoma?
In the realm of computing, the prospect of dual-booting Windows 10 alongside the much-anticipated macOS Sonoma offers a compelling fusion of capabilities. This setup empowers you to effortlessly toggle between two powerhouse operating systems, each renowned for its distinct strengths and innovations.
In this guide, we’ll unravel the intricacies of this harmonious coexistence, providing step-by-step instructions for a smooth transition into this dynamic dual-boot environment. Backed by careful consideration and meticulous execution, you’ll unlock a new level of versatility in your computing endeavors. Let’s dive into dual boot Windows 10 and macOS Sonoma.
Prerequisites for Dual Booting
Before embarking on the dual booting journey of Windows 10 and macOS Sonoma on your Apple computer, it’s crucial to ensure you have the following prerequisites in place:
1. Adequate Disk Space
Allocate a substantial portion of your Mac’s storage, at least 150 GB, to facilitate the seamless coexistence of Windows 10 and macOS Sonoma. This ensures that both operating systems have sufficient room to operate efficiently without any constraints.
2. Backup Your Data
Safeguard your valuable data by performing a comprehensive backup on an external drive or utilizing cloud storage services. This serves as a precautionary measure to mitigate any potential loss of important files during the dual booting process.
3. Create a Bootable Windows 10 Installer
Begin by acquiring the Windows 10 ISO file, an essential component for the installation process. Subsequently, employ tools like Rufus (for Windows) or Boot Camp Assistant (on macOS) to craft a bootable USB drive that will serve as the installation medium for Windows 10.
4. macOS Sonoma Installer
Acquire the macOS Sonoma installer from the trusted Mac App Store. This installer is pivotal for initiating the installation of macOS Sonoma alongside Windows 10.
5. Familiarity with EFI Boot Management
Familiarize yourself with the EFI boot management system, which will allow you to effortlessly toggle between macOS and Windows during the startup process. This knowledge is fundamental in ensuring a seamless transition between the two operating systems.
6. Check Hardware Compatibility
Verify that your Apple computer possesses the necessary hardware compatibility to accommodate both Windows 10 and macOS Sonoma. It’s imperative to cross-check for any specific hardware requirements that might be essential for the dual boot setup.
7. USB Pen Drive
You will need a USB pen drive with at least 16 GB of free storage. This will be used for creating a bootable USB of Windows 10.
Remember, you will need to follow each step carefully to achieve a smooth and successful dual boot setup.
Dual Boot Windows 10 and macOS Sonoma
The dual booting process requires you to install macOS Sonoma first on your Mac or MacBook. Once you have installed macOS Sonoma then you can continue the transition to install Windows 10; perform dual boot between Windows 10 and macOS Sonoma.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for dual booting Windows 10 and macOS Sonoma on any Apple computer:
Step 1: Download Windows 10 Setup file
Begin by downloading the Windows 10 ISO file. This is an important part and requires quite some time. The setup file of Windows 10 is huge in size. Depending on your internet connection, you might download Windows 10 in 10-30 minutes.
To download the Windows 10 ISO file, you can use our server. Download the file and use the application as Rufus to create a bootable USB in the next step.
Or use applications by officials like Media Creation Tool to make it a bootable USB. Users on macOS should use Boot Camp Assistant to create a bootable USB.
Step 2: Create a Bootable Windows 10 Installer
Now let’s assume, you have downloaded Windows 10 ISO; You are also recommended to download Rufus too.
On Windows
- Launch Rufus on your computer.
- In the Rufus, select your USB drive from the drop-down menu right under Device.
- Click on the small disk icon to the right of the Boot selection and browse to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file. Select the ISO file.
- Leave the partition scheme as MBR if your computer uses BIOS or select GPT if it uses UEFI.
- For the File system, select NTFS unless you have a specific reason to choose a different file system.
- Leave the Cluster size at its default setting.
- Check the box next to Quick Format and Create extended label and icon files.
- Click on the Start button. A warning message will appear; click OK to proceed.
- Once the process is complete, Rufus will display a message stating READY.
You have successfully created a bootable Windows 10 installer using Rufus.
On macOS
Creating a bootable Windows 10 installer on macOS involves using a tool like Boot Camp Assistant and a Windows 10 ISO file. Here are the steps:
Boot Camp Assistant is a built-in utility on macOS that helps you install Windows on your Mac. You can find it by searching for it in Spotlight or going to Applications > Utilities > Boot Camp Assistant.
- Launch Boot Camp Assistant.
- When Boot Camp Assistant opens, it will ask you to choose tasks. Select Create a Windows 10 or later version install disk and Continue.
- In the next window, Boot Camp Assistant will ask for the Windows 10 ISO file and the location to save the Windows support software. Choose the ISO file you downloaded earlier.
- Plug in a USB drive with at least 16GB of storage. Boot Camp Assistant will automatically detect it. Select the drive and click Continue.
- Boot Camp Assistant will partition the USB drive and format it as a Windows-compatible FAT32 file system. This will erase all data on the USB drive, so be sure to back up any important files.
- Boot Camp Assistant will download and install Windows support software (drivers) onto the USB drive. This will help Windows run smoothly on your Mac hardware.
Once the process is complete, Boot Camp Assistant will notify you. You now have a bootable Windows 10 installer on the USB drive.
Step 3: Prepare for Partitioning
Here you will navigate to Disk Utility on macOS Sonoma and meticulously select your primary drive. To access Disk Utility, click on the Apple icon situated in the top-left corner of the screen, proceed to Utilities, and subsequently, Disk Utility. Within this interface, you’ll embark on the creation of a new partition, a crucial step in preparing for the installation of Windows 10.
Step 4: Partition Your Drive
Within the Disk Utility interface, navigate to the Partition tab situated at the top. Here, you’ll be presented with a visual representation of your drive, showcasing the existing macOS partition.
By clicking the + (plus), you’ll initiate the creation of a new partition, offering you the opportunity to customize the size allocation. Be careful in allocating sufficient space for Windows 10, bearing in mind the storage requirements of both operating systems.
Additionally, assign a discernible label, such as “Windows,” to the new partition, ensuring clarity and coherence in the dual boot setup.
Select ExFAT as the format type. This particular format exhibits compatibility with both macOS and Windows.
Upon executing this step, click on Apply, thereby confirming the partitioning process.
Disk Utility will promptly create the new partition, which will appear alongside your existing macOS partition, signaling the successful completion of this crucial dual boot setup step.
Step 5: Select Windows 10 in Startup Manager
With the groundwork laid, it’s time to initiate the Windows 10 installation process. Commence by shutting down your MacBook and inserting the bootable USB containing Windows 10.
Subsequently, restart your MacBook, and as it initializes, hold down the Option (⌥) key.
This action grants you access to the Startup Manager, a critical interface that displays all available bootable drives. Within the Startup Manager, you’ll encounter an array of icons representing the various bootable drives at your disposal.
Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select the Windows 10 installer, often denoted as EFI Boot or a similar identifier. Now select it and use Enter to begin the installation.
Step 6: Install Windows 10
Now you will begin the installation of Windows 10:
1. Language and Preferences: Select language, time format, currency, and keyboard.
2. Product Key and Agreement: Enter the product key, and agree to license terms.
3. Partition and Format: Choose the installation drive, and format if needed.
4. Installing Windows: Files and features are installed; the system reboots.
5. Customization: Set region, network, and privacy preferences.
6. Account Setup: Sign in with Microsoft or create a local account.
7. Finalize Settings: Fine-tune privacy options.
8. Completion: Windows finalizes installation.
Your Windows 10 installation is now ready for use.
Step 7: Install Boot Camp Drivers
With Windows 10 now operational, transition into the installation of Boot Camp drivers, a key step in ensuring the optimal functionality of Windows 10 on your Mac.
These drivers encompass a spectrum of critical components, including graphics, audio, networking, and more. To initiate this process, download Boot Camp Assistant or insert a USB containing Boot Camp drivers. Open the application, and in doing so, you’ll receive a notification regarding the installation of software that bridges the compatibility gap between Windows and your Mac’s hardware.
- Start your Mac and boot into Windows by holding down the Option (⌥) key during startup and selecting the Windows partition.
- Insert the macOS installation media (USB or DVD) that came with your Mac. This contains the Boot Camp drivers.
- Open File Explorer (Windows Explorer) and navigate to the macOS installation media.
- Find the BootCamp folder and open it.
- Double-click on Setup.exe to launch the Boot Camp installer.
The Boot Camp installer will guide you through the process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the necessary drivers and support software for your Mac’s hardware.
After the installation is complete, you will need to restart your computer.
Optional: Update Boot Camp Drivers
It’s a good idea to check for updates to the Boot Camp drivers. To do this, go to the Apple menu > Software Update in Windows, and check for any available updates.
Once the drivers are installed, you should have full functionality of your Mac’s hardware in Windows, including graphics, audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more.
Remember, with dual-booting, you’ll be able to choose between macOS Sonoma and Windows 10 every time you start your computer. Use the Option (⌥) key during startup to select your desired operating system. And that is all about dual boot Windows 10 and macOS Sonoma. If you have any question related, please comment.
